Report: Spurs Demote Tony Parker to Bench, to Start Dejounte Murray

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker met with Gregg Popovich before Sunday’s 94-86 loss against the Indiana Pacers, and the coach told him he “thought it was time” to go with someone else in the starting lineup.

So, with second-year man Dejounte Murray hitting the court with the starters at point guard, Parker came off the bench for the 21st time of his 17-year career (postseason included), and for the first time since the 2010 playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks.

“I was like, ‘Oh, no problem,'” an upbeat Parker said of his reaction to Popovich’s decision. “Just like Manu [Ginobili], just like Pau [Gasol], that day’s going to come. And if Pop sees something that is good for the team, I’ll try to do my best. I support Pop’s decision, and I’ll try to help [Dejounte Murray] out as best I can, and try to be the best I can in that second unit with Manu [Ginobili] and Patty [Mills].”

After undergoing surgery to repair a torn quadriceps tendon last May, Parker spent seven months working through the rehabilitation process, and returned to the lineup Nov. 27 in a win over the Mavericks. Throughout Parker’s return, the Spurs have worked to manage the veteran’s minutes. But Parker admitted to “hitting a wall” recently, saying “I’m just more focused on my leg because I know I [still] have another two months before I feel 100 percent.”

Sources: Suns to Meet with Jimmer Fredette

The Phoenix Suns will meet with former BYU star and Sacramento Kings first-round pick Jimmer Fredette on Thursday, according to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.

Gambadoro reports the Suns could sign Fredette through the rest of the season. The Suns currently have an open roster spot.

The 30-year-old guard is currently playing for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association. On Tuesday, the Sharks were eliminated from the postseason. Fredette averaged 36.9 points per game for Shanghai, the league’s top mark.